#AdaptedPE Monthly Newsletter- AUGUST 2025

I hope everyone is having — or had — a fantastic summer! It’s been a busy and exciting few months on my end. I had the chance to travel to England for a beautiful wedding, explore Slovakia, soak up the sun in San Diego, and take a 2,000-mile road trip with my family from Virginia down to Florida, making fun stops in North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee along the way.

Now, I’m recharged and ready to jump back into work — and I’ve got some exciting projects lined up for the site that I can’t wait to share with you.

Big News: I published my book!
Just Adapt It: A STEP Framework for Adapting PE so Everyone Can Play is now officially available on Amazon! This has been a passion project for a long time, and I’m thrilled to finally share it with the APE community.

Had a fantastic couple of days in San Diego with all the 2025 National and District TOY’s. It was great to connect with everyone and plan sessions for the National Conference next year! He even came up with a game while watching the sun set one night. See soccer shuttleboard posted by Tom.

Brad Hunter and I were also able to link up with California APE TOY and The Talking Adapted PE Podcast Host Chris Ahrens to talk shop in the beutiful location of Mission Beach!

They told us to relax at the @SHAPEAmerica TOY retreat in San Diego… so we invented another game! 🤣 #GiveItATry👏👉 #PhysEd pic.twitter.com/6JYmcWlf7v

— Coach Gelardi (@CoachGelardi) July 22, 2025

• Download Library
• Digital Goal Bank
• Innovative AI Goal Writer
• GIF Library

👉 Support & Join Us Today!

Thanks to our newest members!

Kara M

We’re proud to offer a physical equipment store designed specifically for Adapted Physical Education! Our store includes high-quality, inclusive equipment that supports students of all abilities in developing motor skills, participating fully, and having fun while being active.

From adaptive balls and balance tools to communication supports and custom-built kits, every item is chosen with function, inclusion, and engagement in mind.

How to Order:
Schools typically order through purchase orders (POs) or with assistance from their special education departments or equipment budgets. If you’re unsure how to start the process, I’m happy to help walk you through it.

📧 Contact me directly at enrichedva@gmail.com
I’ll provide you with an order form, help you select the best equipment for your needs, and work with your school or district to make the process as smooth as possible.

Let’s get your students moving with the tools and supports they need to succeed!

Empowering Students Through Dance

This week, we’re shining a light on Janine Wilkins, an Adapted PE teacher at Carl Sandburg High School in Illinois, who turned a simple idea into a school-wide celebration of ability, inclusion, and joy. Janine launched a six-week dance unit that not only got her students moving—but moved the entire community.

What began as a series of structured, inclusive dance lessons with peer tutors and sensory supports grew into a full-on performance for 3,000 students, staff, and family members. Students of all abilities danced side by side, embraced the rhythm, and stole the show—earning a standing ovation that none of them (or us!) will soon forget.

💬 “When the crowd stood up, I had tears streaming down my face. Our students deserved that moment. They shined.” – Janine Wilkins

Janine’s thoughtful planning included flexible participation options, consistent practice routines, and a strong focus on social-emotional growth. Whether students danced center stage or helped run the slideshow, every role mattered—and every student felt seen.

👏 Thank you, Janine, for reminding us that movement is for everyone—and when we remove limits, we make room for magic.

Arcade style basketball shooting game. First person to score 3 baskets is the winner.#physed pic.twitter.com/jClIXtEM66

— Phys.Ed.Review (@physedreview) June 10, 2025

🚨 BIG NEWS: We’ve launched The Inclusion Index!

Based on the lived experiences of 26,000+ students & staff, it reveals the top 10 behavioural drivers of inclusion in schools.

Not tick-boxes. Real change.

FREE to download 👉https://t.co/gIl1MUCLVQ#InclusionIndex #EduTwitter pic.twitter.com/nx126IC86e

— GEC (Global Equality Collective) (@GECCollect) July 8, 2025

Probably one of my fav thrifted & flipped items b/c it shows how you really can turn random things into greatness. All building credit goes to my husband, Brett. My input was being at Goodwill & saying, “hey, bet you could make a fishing casting device out of this!” 😅#AdaptedPE pic.twitter.com/dQueP6G8qB

— Nicole McCoy (@NMcCoy_APE) June 9, 2025

Thanks to @DigitTheAPE for sharing the info about @nexplayground…I used it with my preschool, #APE classes & more #physed pic.twitter.com/CflEOYddmc

— Coach Williams 🏀 (@CoachWilliamsPE) July 9, 2025

ICYMI: our last podcast featured #adaptedpe hacks from @FitandFunPlay and @MSUMmj ! @JenHeebink hosts! #physed @SHAPEAmerica @MNDAPE @mnshape Access the podcast here https://t.co/p0d8pH7he5

— Heartbeats of Adapted PE Podcast (@heartbeatsofape) June 19, 2025

Look what arrived! I got my copy of @DigitTheAPE just released book!

The plan was to open the package and put it on my desk to look at later. Forty minutes later I’m still looking through it!

Well done Matt, what a resource for the #AdaptedPE and #Physed community! pic.twitter.com/s1h7Kixpul

— Brad (@BHunterinBmore) July 28, 2025

Hosted by the passionate and knowledgeable Chris Ahrens, the Talking Adapted PE Podcast dives into all things Adapted Physical Education. From innovative teaching strategies to inspiring stories and expert interviews, Chris brings valuable insights to help educators and families support students of all abilities. Tune in to stay informed, inspired, and connected with the APE community!

Hosted by the insightful Dr. Scott McNamara, this podcast keeps you up-to-date with the latest trends, research, and best practices in Adapted Physical Education. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or advocate, Dr. McNamara brings expert perspectives and practical tips to help you create inclusive, effective PE experiences for all students. Stay current and inspired—tune in today!

Hosted by Jenn Heebink, this podcast connects, inspires, and amplifies the voices of Adapted PE teachers and inclusion-focused professionals. Through real stories and meaningful conversations, we celebrate the impact of inclusive physical education and the people who make it happen.

Hosted by Brendan Aylward, AdaptX Podcast amplifies the voices and ideas of individuals who are building accessible businesses, advocating for inclusion, or excelling in adaptive sports.

Help us continue providing valuable resources by purchasing some awesome Adapted PE merchandise! We’ve curated a collection of gear perfect for educators, fitness enthusiasts, and supporters of inclusive physical education. Every purchase goes a long way in keeping our site running and improving.

Check out the merch here.

Adapted PE Specialists on Facebook

#AdaptedPE on Twitter/X